Earlier this month, UF students connected with Karan Goel, a Gator alum and current Software Engineer at Meta, to learn how he navigated his journey from Gainesville to Silicon Valley.
As the Assistant Director for Career Pathways: STEM at UF’s Career Connections Center, I was proud to be part of this inspiring conversation. Karan stated his goal was, “to demystify the tech career path, share my experience, and give actionable advice for landing your dream job.”
To start the formal presentation, Karan focused on the essential skills and mindset needed to succeed in tech. He emphasized mastering the fundamentals—data structures, algorithms, and at least one core programming language like Python, C++, or Java. He also highlighted the importance of soft skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability, noting that these are just as critical as technical expertise.
Another key theme was adopting a growth mindset: embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and asking for help when needed. Karan also stressed the value of internships, whether at large companies or small startups, as well as building personal projects to showcase skills and explore new technologies. Networking strategically—through LinkedIn, career fairs, and alumni connections—was another major point, along with practicing for interviews beyond just coding by being ready to explain your thought process and teamwork experience.
Then, during the Q&A, students asked practical questions about standing out, building experience, and navigating the job search. Karan shared seven actionable insights from his own journey:
Drive the interview—“You should be talking 70% of the time.” Show your thought process and confidence.
Build personal projects— He mentioned a friend who created a mini online marketplace, noting that adding AI elements can make projects even more relevant and impressive.
Internships open doors—use LinkedIn and reach out to university recruiters; relationships can lead to opportunities.
Balance academics and experience—coding is foundational, but extracurriculars build practical skills and networks.
Be strategic in college—Karan wishes he had balanced his course load better, taking fewer ultra-difficult classes and spending more time coding.
Perfect resume? Not required—don’t wait to apply. Use AI tools to refine your resume and keep it one page.
Think big, start small—Karan began at a small company before joining Meta, which prepared him for projects impacting billions.
Karan’s journey is proof that success in tech isn’t about a perfect path—it’s about persistence, curiosity, and taking action. He didn’t complete an internship during school, but he started at a small company, gained valuable experience, and eventually made his way to Meta. Whether you’re coding your first project or preparing for a big interview, remember: every experience counts, relationships matter, and growth never stops.
“Everyone is learning,” Karan said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help—and help others. The more you help others, the more you grow.”
Your next step? Start today. Build something. Reach out to someone. Apply for that role. The journey from Gainesville to your dream job begins with one bold move.
Want more career insights like this? Check out upcoming events on the Career Hub– your next opportunity could be one conversation away! It’s the hub for all things career and professional development at UF, offering tools like Quinncia for AI-powered resume and LinkedIn reviews, mock interviews, and personalized feedback. You’ll also find career guides, job postings, and other resources to support every step of your journey.
